Children Of 11 To Be Asked If They Are Gay

School children as young as 11 could soon be quizzed about their sexuality.

A report commissioned by the Government's equalities watchdog, the Equality and Human Rights Commission, found that it was 'practically and ethically' possible to interview young children about their sexuality, and teachers, nurses and youth workers will be urged to set up studies to monitor adolescent sexual orientation.

Controversially, the Equality and Human Rights Commission also said that whilst parental consent is 'considered good practice', is not a legal requirement.

It is the first time such studies have been undertaken, and the commission says it will give youngsters opportunity to categorise their sexual feelings, claiming they might label themselves 'questioning', 'queer', 'pansexual', 'genderqueer', 'asexual', 'pan-romantic' and even 'trisexual'.

A spokesman for the commission said said: 'This is independent research produced to help the commission form its policy direction.'

Critics of the plans have branded them 'intrusive'. Graham Stuart, Tory chairman of the Commons education select committee, told the Daily Mail they were 'invasive, sinister and threatening'.

He added: 'School should be a place of safety, not a place where pupils are picked over for the purpose of some quango; and many children won't understand what they are talking about.'

What do you think about this story?

Should children be quizzed about their sexuality?Would it offer them the opportunity to discuss their feelings and any issues they may have?Or is 11 just too young?